August 13-18, 2003
The tour will leave San Diego at 9:00am on Wednesday, 13 August. Our meeting place will be Starbuck's located at Highway 56 and Carmel Creek, one mile east of Interstate 5. The first leg will take us to the very charming Dutch town of Solvang located just to the north of Santa Barbara. Our approximate travel time is five hours. In Solvang we will have the opportunity to relax and get to know each other over dinner. You will likely start to feel the effects of "The Weekend" as you arrive in Solvang with automotive sights and sounds of other Monterey bound drivers and their toys. Our accommodations are in the center of this small town, walking distance to our evening and morning destinations such as Paula's Pancake house for breakfast. We will depart for Monterey Thursday morning around 10:00am following breakfast. Thursday is my personal favorite day of the trip! We will have areas allowing for "spirited" driving on some of North America's most beautiful two lane roads! We will make a couple scenic stops for lunch/snacks/fuel, etc.. during the approximate four hour drive to the Monterey Peninsula. You will see many others on their way, driving their toys of choice. You simply cannot replicate the atmosphere and experience of this day!
We may arrive on the Peninsula in time to catch the tail end of "The Tour" on Thursday. This is the driving portion of the Pebble Beach Concors d'Elegance. The following major events will be going on throughout the weekend and you have your choice to participate in all or just one.
You are on your own to preorder event tickets or buy them on arrival. If you wish to attend the Concorso Italiano or Pebble Beach, I recommend advance purchase.
We will have one night in Solvang followed by two options on the Monterey Peninsula. The main difference in Monterey is the mimimum stay. The Monterey Downtown Travelodge has a four night minimum stay: Thursday, 14 August through Sunday, 17 August. The Lighthouse Lodge and Suites is offering a three night minimum stay for those wishing to return home on Sunday. Many rooms are available with fireplaces. They are located in Pacific Grove just a five minute drive to downtown Monterey and very close to the 17 Mile Drive. If you wish to attend all events it is recommended you stay the four nights. It has also been my experience that traffic is much lighter on Monday. Our return drive is made in one day and follows the main highways south in lieu of the arrival route of choice, the twisty and scenic Highway 1.
Rooms have been reserved at the following places. Please identify yourself as being with PCASDR. Reservations must be made no later than 15 May, 2003. You will find the entire Peninsula sold out if you miss our deadline and wish to join at the last minute. If you think joining us is even a remote possibility then please make the reservations as these places offer 48-72 hours cancellation without charge. Please confirm their cancellation policy at the time of making your reservations. You are responsible for making your own reservations and if necessary, cancellations.
Royal Copenhagen Inn Single Room: $95.00
1579 Mission Drive Double Room: $95.00
Solvang, CA 93463 (805) 688-5561
Downtown Travelodge Single Room: $169.00
675 Munras Avenue Double Room: $179.00
Monterey, CA 93940 (831) 373-1876
Lighthouse Inn & Suites Single Room: $219.00
1150 Lighthouse Avenue Double Room: $219.00
Pacific Grove, CA 93950 (831) 655-2111
I am available to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Please contact me at (619) 405-PAUL or at the email link below.
Your greatest risk of attending this tour is the sacrifices you'll make to ensure its permanent place on your calendar!